Which Eric B. & Rakim album contains the influential title track “Paid in Full”?

Eric B. & Rakim’s album containing the title track “Paid in Full” is Paid in Full.

The duo released Paid in Full on July 7, 1987, through 4th & B’way Records. It was their debut studio album and included “Eric B. Is President,” “I Ain’t No Joke,” “Microphone Fiend,” and “Paid in Full.”

Rakim’s intricate internal rhymes and controlled delivery helped reshape expectations for technical rap writing. Eric B.’s production used prominent samples and heavy drum breaks, creating a spare, loop-driven sound associated with the golden age of hip hop.

The album title is sometimes confused with the duo’s 1988 follow-up, Follow the Leader. Paid in Full also inspired a famous 1987 remix by Coldcut, which introduced additional samples and became influential in British club culture. The original album remains a key reference point for later lyricists and producers.